Answer: confounds

AnswerCrossword Clue
confoundsCONFOUND, to confuse (to perplex (to puzzle (to perplex)))
confoundsDefeat (a plan, aim, or hope)
confoundsProve (a theory, expectation, or prediction) wrong
confoundsMix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish
confoundsOverthrow (an enemy)
confoundsCause surprise or confusion in (someone), esp. by acting against their expectations